New Chang Ming rings in Bridge Capital’s 1st loss, 99-93

New Chang Ming rang in Bridge Capital’s first loss, 99-93, in the 2024 Michelob Ultra Cup (men’s open division) last Monday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

It was a close matchup from the start as Bridge Capital’s erstwhile undefeated run hung in the balance, while New Chang Ming’s squad of relentless ballers were determined to be the blemish in their record.

Bridge Capital was undefeated for a reason and they showed their spunk in the first quarter, but New Chang Ming’s drive and spirit shone throughout the game. Turnovers and mistakes at the net caused Bridge Capital a few baskets that proved costly towards the end.

New Chang Ming’s Rodel Pastrana set the tone for the team as he covered a lot of ground within and outside the perimeter. Along with Daryl Foronda covering the paint and eliciting fouls, New Chang Ming enjoyed a huge 49-29 lead at the half.

Bridge Capital could only play catchup to New Chang Ming as the lead spanned from 12 points, to 6 points, then back up to double digits again. Matt Duenas tried to muscle his way in and get as many accurate shots as possible to close the undulating lead of New Chang Ming and it paid off with a 61-69 third quarter.

Steve King covered the outside as much as possible for Bridge Capital, but New Chang Ming’s defense reduced him to just two 3-pointers. That didn’t stop him from driving in and making fast-break plays, but New Chang Ming’s defense remained steadfast.

New Chang Ming’s Marlon De Dios, Pastrana, and Ronald Bernardo controlled the game towards the end and handed Bridge Capital’s first loss with a six-point margin.

Pastrana led New Chang Ming with 25 markers, Foronda put up 19, and Bernardo shot 18. Duenas had a game high 29 points, while King scored 23, and Matthew Richardson had 20 points.

In the night cap, Team Marianas remained undefeated with seven wins after they beat 670 Akkari-EET 1 in a blowout, 124-49.

New Chang Ming 99 – Pastrana 25, Foronda 19, Bernardo 18, De Dios 11, Diwa 10, Ferrer 8, David 4, Esdrelon 2, Devero 2.

Bridge Capital 93 – Duenas 29, King 23, Richardson 20, Kim 15, Deleon Guerrero Jr. 5, Atalig 1.

Scoring by quarters: 23-22, 49-39, 69-61, 99-95.